Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested an Indian national suspected of defrauding an investor USD 1,325,970 (approximately Ksh172.3 million) in an alleged gold investment scam.
In a statement on Friday, November 13, the DCI identified the suspect as Maheshbhai Rameshbhai Bhadra, who was arrested at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) shortly after arriving in Kenya from Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
According to detectives, the arrest followed investigations into a complaint by an investor who accused Bhadra of obtaining the money through an informal money-transfer arrangement involving agents in Dubai and Kenya.
“The suspect, Maheshbhai Rameshbhai Bhadra, was intercepted and arrested at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), moments after touching down from Dubai, United Arab Emirates,” the DCI stated.
How the Alleged 210kg Gold Deal Cost an Investor Ksh172 Million
Investigators said the alleged fraud centred on a promise to supply 210 kilograms of gold.
The complainant was reportedly persuaded to release the money on the understanding that it would facilitate the acquisition of the precious metal. However, the anticipated transaction never materialised.
The DCI said the money was transferred through a Hawala arrangement, an informal system involving agents operating across different countries.
“At the heart of the scam was a tantalising promise: 210 kilograms of gold. Investigations indicate that the complainant was induced to part with the money on the pretext of securing the precious metal, only for the anticipated transaction to fail to materialise,” the investigative agency stated.
Court Order Leads to Arrest of Gold Fraud Suspect
The DCI disclosed that Bhadra’s arrest was executed pursuant to a stop order issued by the Milimani Law Courts.
He was being held in custody as detectives processed him ahead of his arraignment in court.
The suspect is expected to face further legal proceedings over the allegations.
DCI Arrests Another Suspect Over Ksh130,000 Airbnb Scam
The arrest comes days after detectives apprehended another man accused of defrauding a woman Ksh130,000 in an alleged online accommodation scam targeting holidaymakers visiting Kenya’s Coast region.
In a statement on Sunday, November 8, the DCI said detectives from Nyali Sub-County arrested Nelson Okota Odhiambo in Bamburi following investigations into the complaint.
Okota is accused of convincing a female client that he could secure Airbnb accommodation for her in Nyali before allegedly obtaining Ksh130,000 from her.
However, the promised accommodation was never provided.
DCI Warns of Wider Holiday Accommodation Fraud Network
According to the DCI, preliminary investigations suggested that the alleged accommodation scam could have affected other travellers planning holidays along the Coast.
Detectives indicated that the suspect may have extended his alleged activities beyond Nyali, targeting people visiting Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale counties.
“Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspect has extended his fraudulent enterprise beyond Nyali, targeting unsuspecting travellers planning visits to Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale counties,” the DCI stated.
The agency did not disclose the number of other potential victims as investigations continued.
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